Welcoming the Society of Italian American Businessmen (S.I.A.B.)

Born out of pure passion for the Italian heritage and a deep willingness to give back to the community, the Society of Italian American Businessmen (S.I.A.B.) is the newest charitable organization to form in the Harford County region! Their mission is clear and their objective is meaningful; to support other non-profit organizations in Harford County and surrounding areas and to assist in the education of young students in need through the support of scholarships. In addition to their charitable pursuits, SIAB is a group who have banded together to promote the Italian heritage, work to maintain a positive community image and uphold the Italian family traditions. 

The organization held its first official meeting in May of 2013, several months after co-founders Mark Dardozzi and Elio Scaccio discussed the possibility of beginning a new legacy in Harford County. There were no Italian American organizations like this in the area and they knew there were many Italians in Harford County who would love the opportunity to be a part of a charitable group like SIAB. Their assumptions were correct. In less than 9 months, the organization has grown to over 17 members and is continuing to grow. 

SIAB knew immediately that their key initiative of 2014 would be to make a substantial contribution to a charitable organization located in Harford County. In December of 2013, it was decided that the first organization to benefit from this Italian-American group’s early efforts would be the St. Margaret’s Parish Outreach Ministry. Several of the SIAB officers met with Msgr. Michael Schleupner from St. Margaret’s and announced the news of the sizable donation to be given on April 11th at the organization’s 1st Annual Spring Gala! “Thank you for sharing with me the vision and work of SIAB; I am sure you will do great things here in Harford County. Thank you for wanting to make St Margaret’s Outreach the recipient of your charitable giving for this year…I am very grateful,” said Msgr. Michael Schleupner after lunch with Mark Dardozzi and Tony Palumbo. The donation for the Outreach Ministry will help many arms of the parish including the Cooperative Food Ministry, FCCAU Welcome One Shelter and the Birthright Pregnancy Resource Center, just to name a few. 

In order to raise the charitable giving money necessary to support area non-profits and assist with scholarships, SIAB will hold 2 annual events. On Friday, April 11th, the 1st Annual Spring Gala will be held at the Richlin Ballroom in Edgewood from 7:00pm – Midnight. This black-tie optional event will feature area restaurants showcasing their signature dishes during the cocktail reception, an elegantly served dinner, open bar, entertainment all night, silent auction, and much more! Tickets are $100 per person or you can purchase a table of 10 for $750 ($75 per person). To purchase tickets, call Mark Dardozzi at 410-207-8060 or Elio Scaccio at 410-206-8818. This will be a premier event you will not want to miss. 

In addition to the Spring Gala, SIAB will host the 1st Annual Linguine & Crab Feast in late summer/early Fall. In keeping with the Italian tradition, this will be an event the entire family can enjoy! More information will be available on this and all SIAB events at www.thesiab.com. The future for the Society of Italian American Businessmen is bright indeed and many area charities will benefit from the work that will be done by this passionate group of individuals.